Monday, November 30, 2015

Gadget Review : Sudio KLANG Earphones

Christmas definitely came slightly earlier this year as I was looking for a complement and a companion for my phone on the move or traveling, and Sudio Klang came along. If you're from Malaysia/been to Malaysia, no, the earphone is not manufactured or originate from Klang. In fact, the elegant Sudio earphones hails with its Scandinavian roots from Sweden.


Delivering on studio quality and exquisite designs, Sudio prides on its timeless design philosophy. The chic design of the earphones accompanied by its homochromous leather case, makes it a perfect lifestyle accessory regardless of the event I may be in - casual or suited up. Gone are the days of tangled earphones, the flat wires fits well into the case on the go.


Plus, they do make pretty photogenic accessory that fits well to your social media feeds. Sudio also emphasizes on craftsmanship, where most parts of the production process still involve human handmade intervention. Now that's commitment to quality, I may add!

Bro Tips : They take on the manufacturing, design and sales task without the need of the middleman, which is why their cost is significantly lower than other leading, quality earphone brands you see in the market. 

I am particularly partial to Sudio's Stay-in-Ear feature, particularly the Klang design. One cord is notably longer than the other and receives support from the user's neck to prevent the earphones from being pulled out, accessory anyone? The Sudio earphone also comes with a metal clip to hold them in place while you're in motion. 


The three buttons practically save you the hassle of constantly checking your phone. The top and bottom buttons controls the volume, and the middle one is a heck of a multitasker - pause/play , forward/backwards and even rewinds your playlist. 

Bro Tips : I've been a staunch user of Samsung products, and although the Klang earphone is excellent in the sound quality avenue, it is primarily designed to support iOS, which hinders certain features on Android. PS:  Holding down the middle button on a push actually starts your Siri, as I learned from using my brother's iPhone. 



Here's the driver specification available for audiophiles 

Type: 10.0 mm Dynamic Speaker
Sensitivity: 102 dB SPL @ 1 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ohm @ 1kHz
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz

The 10.0 mm Dynamic Speaker is designed to deliver a natural bass without compromising the high tones, think of it like you're a recording artist. It's good to delve into your own world of playlist and not being distracted with the intrusive surrounding noises and Klang delivers just that.


Also included, 4 pairs of extra sleeves/earbuds to customize to one's ear, and a chic looking quality assurance cards that completes the Sudio set. Klang currently comes in four colours - Brown, Black, White and Orange (anyone who know me well would know which colour I would choose without a shadow of a doubt!)

Klang is priced at RM 249, and they do ship the product worldwide for free! To sweeten the deal for this festive season, you can get 15% discount for your Sudio earphones, just remember to quote psylancer when you make the purchase.

Ideas, inspiration and look book can be reached at


Do check out their other Sudio Earphones designs as well :
Två - features one button only to fit all devices and with two long cords.
Vasa - newly released with a new sound driver with a full–feature 3-button remote and mic for either Android or iOS. PS: Vasa's cords are of the same length, therefore it does not have the stay-in-ear functions.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Discovering : Macau

Going on a budget for accommodations in Macau could be a challenge, where even the oldest looking rooms could fetch up to RM350 per night (The room that we stayed costed us HKD 1130.12). Given that our flight is from Macau International Airport, we had no choice but to opt for 2 nights here.

Accommodation : Ole Tai Sam Un, Rua da Caldeira, No. 43-45, RC/A, Macau.

Senado Square
Ole Tai Sam Un is relatively walking distance to Senado Square (But locally known as 新馬路, San Ma Lo), one of the iconic landmarks of Macau.

Bro Tips : The locals here predominantly speak Cantonese, so they probably wouldn't know the English or the Portuguese equivalent of the places here, it is best that you consult the concierge or mark your maps so that they would know the Cantonese name of the destination.

Noodle with Shrimp Roe
Few of the delicacies to try in Macau include the famous Pork Chop Bun (literally, a piece of pork chop on the bone with the bun) & the Macanese/Portuguese Egg Tart. The breakfast we had was the famous Noodle with Shrimp Roe at Wong Chi Kei, a famous dish Hong Kong, Macau and Guangzhou.

Wong Chi Kei, 17 Largo do Seal Sonado, Macau

Ruins of St.Paul
We headed to the Ruins of St.Paul, and being the most iconic place in Macau, it is generally crowded in the morning, with tourists taking pictures in generic and otherwise improbable poses. Less crowded? Try going at night.

Travessa da Paixão
Within close proximity of the Ruins, you would be able to find the small Na Tcha Temple (Templo Na Tcha,大三巴哪吒廟) dedicated to worship the deity Na Tcha (Nazha) as well as the Travessa da Paixão (戀愛巷, Love Lane - facing the Ruins, it the lane should be on your left); a colorful lane that is a favourite among photographers for wedding photo shoots.

Fortazela do Monte
Facing the ruins, on the right, you can work your way up to the Fortazela do Monte (大炮台), a 8000 square miles fortress equipped with cannons and watchtowers and where you can have a panoramic view of Macau.

Bro Tips : Walking distance from here you should be able to find St. Anthony's Church and Tau Tei Temple, few of the other notable places of interest.


From the ruins, we managed our way to the Tap Seac Gallery and Tap Seac Square, worth wandering here if you are keen on photogenic historic buildings with European façade that is. You would be able to find your way to Senado Square back from here for shopping or plain sight seeing.

Of course if you are an adrenaline junkie, make your way to the Macau Tower for the bungy jump (and/or other extreme activities) which I have covered in my earlier post. >> Jumping from the Macau Tower

Single Origin cafe
We found a corner located cafe, Single Origin that is compact like many businesses here in Macau but their owners are exceptionally friendly and they took their time explaining their brew and coffee. Wouldn't mind coming back here if I am going to Macau again that is.

Single Origin, Macau, Rua de Abreu Nunes 19 R/C

From here, if you are on time crunch, you can either go for these two routes which I have planned earlier on.

The bridge connecting Cotai and the Peninsular
Traditional
A-Ma Temple - Lilau Square - Mandarin House - St.Lawrence Church - St. Joseph Church - St. Augustine Church - Senado Square

Modern
Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre, Macau Museum Arts, Macau Cultural Centre, Macau Science Centre, Macau Fisherman Wharf, Golden Lotus Square

We chose the latter option, and explored the chic architecture of both the Macau Arts Museum as well as the Macau Science Centre.

Macau Arts Museum
And to wrap the day up, we went to the Cotai area and visited a few casinos (well, not really in the casino as we are not gamblers per se and only soaked in the regal and expensiveness of the casino's vicinity).

The Venetian
Bro Tips : Venetian, Four Seasons, City of Dreams, Sands Cotai Central & Galaxy are the notable casinos located at the Cotai area, whereas Lisboa, MGM & Wynn are located at the Macau Peninsular. Comparably, the casinos in Cotai looks grander, whereas the ones in the Peninsular are known for being the first few casinos that was founded in Macau.

Lisboa Casino
Basically, without the inclusion of the Macau Tower, you probably would be able to visit places like A-Ma Temple and the Mandarin House, and also if there is an extra day to spare, try visiting the villages like Taipa and Coloane. I might not visit Macau again that soon but perhaps a change of mind is possible with the idea of the creamy, delicious Macanese Egg Tarts - just sayin'.


Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Food Review : Two Pesos, Kota Damansara

As an unsuspecting passerby, I have initially thought that Two Pesos was a restaurant that is specialized in South American or Filipino cuisines but they were anything but. The name was mused from the eventual two pesos that the owner of the restaurant have kept during his wife and his' trip to Boracay (ta-da), and their love for each other and food have transcended to the concept of Two Pesos.


Hot pots are normally conceptualize for sharing but the Two Pesos have adapted the idea of Taiwanese steamboats that are ideal for a diner (if by any reason you've decided to be #foreveralone for the meal, just drop by, no one is going to judge) or otherwise. Two Pesos insists that their hot pots are affordable, value for money and more importantly innovative in terms of their cuisine.


Extensive research have been done in order to pair the right soup or broth with the ingredients that go in it as well as the ideal pot to cook the broth altogether. I myself can be a clumsy wreck (at times), so if you are apprehensive about cooking, they will cook the fresh ingredients to order for you. Aside from the essential trio of dining, 色香味 (Color, Aroma & Taste), you can expect delectable presentation from the vibrant vegetables and meats used as well stylish pots that fits well to your social media feeds.


In term of the menu, it is converged to choosing the pot accompanied by soup of choice, one meat (ranging from pork, beef, seafood and fish) and a typical Asian complement of rice, yee mee or mee hoon. Add-ons are readily available upon, from additional meat, vegetable and other regular steamboat complements such as egg, tofu, fish balls and crab sticks among many others.


Here are some of the potted highlights of the day

1. Two Pesos BBQ Pot (RM 19.50)- When we wanted our vege to soak in the broth and enriching it but still have seared meat slices, this is just the pot to go for. Ideal when you're torn for both worlds.


2. Tajine Seafood Pot (RM 18) is interesting in the sense that tajine are traditionally used for Moroccan dishes paired with lamb, but Two Pesos innovated the seafood pot by using returning condensation towards the bottom of the pot, ensuring ideal stewing to bring out the best of the seafood flavours.


3. Italian Tomato Pot (RM 16) - When hearty tomato soup calls, this is the pot to go, not forgetting to mention the cute yellow pot that goes with it. 


4. I do quite fancy the taste of this Lemon Seafood Pot (RM16), the acidity and zesty note to this savoury soup does it for me. I think this goes well with fish, but pork does it for me too. And for some reason, they have opted for the Hello Kitty pot, which will be the kids' favorite.


5. My personal favorite of the day would be Milky Seafood Pot (RM 16). As the name suggests, the seafood are immersed into the milky broth, but I would add on some pork slices just to give the broth an extra surf and turf personality to it. 


6. The Basu Spicy Pot (RM 15.50) has enough spicy notes to it but not to the extend of knocking your socks off. A hot pot ideal for cold days. The pungent spices used is slightly overpowering for me, this might be for those with acquired taste for this spicy soup. Goes well with pork or beef.


7. The Japanese Sukiyaki Pot (RM 15.50) has the charm of the authentic mirin and soy taste in the Japanese sukiyaki sauce but incorporated to the hot pot concept, for those who prefers the Japanese take on it.


8. Another recommended favourite would be the Two Pesos Stone Pot (RM 15.00), slices of pork or beef are seared on the hot pot to slightly render the fats and cook the meat with scallions and garlic, before adding the soup base to it.



Bro Tips : Condiments are available to enjoy alongside the cooked meat or vegetables - Available condiments include garlic mash, spring onion, bean paste, sacha sauce and chilli sauce

Despite having to sample all the hot pot, I would visit Two Pesos again for a few of my favourite soup. Two Pesos also have a branch in SS2, Petaling Jaya, aren't we PJ people that lucky? :)

Two Pesos Kota Damansara
No 32-1, Jalan PJU 5/9,
Dataran Sunway,
Kota Damansara, 47810
Petaling Jaya, Selangor,